Augusta vs Sandy Springs: Licensed Practical Nurse Salary (2026)
Compare licensed practical nurse salaries between Augusta, GA and Sandy Springs, GA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Augusta, GA | Sandy Springs, GA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,394 | $70,114▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.40 | $33.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,901▲ | $52,673 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,560 | $62,819▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,351 | $82,516▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,825 | $90,034▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Sandy Springs, GA offers better overall compensation for licensed practical nurses, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Augusta.
The salary gap between Augusta and Sandy Springs is $2,720 (4.04%). Sandy Springs's median is +3.00% compared to the US national median of $68,071.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Augusta spans $24,924,Sandy Springs spans $37,361. Sandy Springs has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced licensed practical nurses.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Sandy Springs ($75,310 effective) pays 2.70% more than Augusta ($73,332 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Augusta if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Choose Sandy Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,114/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,034)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $75,310)
- ✓You prefer the Georgia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, licensed practical nurse salaries in Augusta grew 51.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.5% growth in Sandy Springs over the same period.
Augusta, GA
$42,200 (2019) → $63,760 (2025)
Sandy Springs, GA
$50,811 (2024) → $66,333 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Augusta, GA
Sandy Springs, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays licensed practical nurses more: Augusta or Sandy Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Augusta and Sandy Springs?
Should I relocate from Augusta to Sandy Springs as a licensed practical nurse?
What do entry-level licensed practical nurses earn in Augusta vs Sandy Springs?
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Written by Aisha Malik, LPN
Career Analyst
Aisha has 10 years of experience as a licensed practical nurse. She specializes in pediatric nursing. Aisha has worked in various outpatient clinics.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 5.70% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Aisha Malik, LPN, a licensed licensed practical nurse with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov